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Iowa is a state found in the Midwestern part of the United States, and it is bordered by Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota. It is the only state in the US, which is bordered on its east and west by rivers, namely the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers. It is also known as the American Heartland state, and while it lacks the sunny, white beaches that you may find in Florida or California, it more than makes up for this in river and lakes. The sheer space of the state is astounding, and it is the 26th largest state, with regards to land area. The crime rate in Iowa is particularly low, and it was designated as one of the safest states to live in. This safety, vast space, the cultural heritage and numerous outdoor activities make Iowa a popular place for retirement.

Iowa at a Glance

Iowa used to be part of French Louisiana and Spanish Louisiana in the colonial period, and today those influences can still be seen in many parts of the state, particularly the flag, which is modeled after the French flag. Agriculture makes up the majority of Iowa's economic sector, however in recent years the state has branched out into manufacturing, processing, information technology and renewable energy production. Manufacturing is now the main contributor towards Iowa's economy, and it contributes almost 25% of the total GDP of the state. Manufacturing in the state includes food processing, heavy-duty machinery, and agricultural chemicals. Agriculture is Iowa's next biggest contributor to the economy, and there are over 96,000 farms found in the state, which are large producers of corn, soybeans, hogs, cattle and dairy products. This huge area of farmland means that parts of Iowa are dotted with small towns, large spaces and friendly people, which makes it a perfect choice for many golden agers.

Besides all of this, Iowa is also ranked in the top 35% of places with the lowest cost of living in the United States. It has friendly taxes, and averagely priced houses at about $118,100, which makes it easy on the retirement savings. The unemployment rate in Iowa is also below the national average.

Medical Facilities in Iowa

Iowa is home to some of the most highly rated medical care in the country, and as a retiree you are able to choose from a plethora of physicians, dentists, physiotherapists, hospitals and care centers. In fact Iowa has over 120 hospitals throughout the state, and these include the nationally ranked University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Genesis Medical Center, UnityPoint Health-St Luke's Hospital, the Iowa Methodist Medical Center and the Alegent Creighton Mercy Hospital. The medical options in Iowa are endless, and this makes it one of the safest and most convenient states for golden agers to retire to.

Senior Living Communities in Iowa

There are active senior living communities found throughout the state, and they are of the highest quality. Where you settle depends on your individual wants and needs for your retirement years, and your personal hobbies, fitness and interests. Waterloo is a perfect town for those who love being outdoors, as it offers the widest trail system in Iowa, so hiking is a must, and it has a number of different golf courses. The population is about 68,000 people, and here you will find a cost of living that is 17.5% lower than the national median. Des Moines is Iowa's capital city, and it has the largest population. It offers a large array of cultural and historical delights and while it is the biggest city, it still offers a cost of living that is almost 15% lower than the national average. Decorah is a small, artsy town in Iowa, and a popular place for golden agers to settle down. It has a very small population of around 7,000 people, and is known for its friendly locals. These are just three of the most popular retirement areas in Iowa, but that doesn't mean that there aren't any others. The sheer size and scale of the state makes it possible to find a place to suit every retiree's needs.

Although often thought of as merely a farming state, Iowa offers a variety of attractions that will keep almost any one busy. Its mix of cultural, historical and outdoor activities means that no matter what your hobbies and interests are that there will be something for you. Iowa should be a retirement consideration on everyone's radar.

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